DILG issues warning on fake emails targeting LGUs, barangays
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government reminded local government units to be wary of online messages bearing the logos of the DILG and National Barangay Operations Office (NBOO) via false e-mail addresses and asking for sensitive information.
DILG Undersecretary for Local Government Marlo Iringan issued this warning to all the department’s offices and local government units through an advisory dated June 4 and made public June 5.
According to the advisory, several local government offices receiven letters and electronic messages bearing the DILG and NBOO logos from unofficial accounts, including a certain “DILG Main office govt” with the address “[email protected].”
READ: DILG warns vs unauthorized solicitations using Mabilog’s name
“Please be reminded that the NBOO or DILG, does not authorize, recognize or tolerate the use of its name, logo, office identity, or official-looking stationery letterhead for any unauthorized transactions, requests for personal information or communications that bypass official DILG channels,” the advisory read.
“Barangay officials are likewise reminded that requests involving personal information contained in barangay records must be handled only upon lawful basis, proper authority, and appropriate verification, consistent with applicable laws, rules, and regulations,” it added.
The advisory noted that some online communications requested barangay officials to “verify the current residence of private individuals… [and] inform them to contact the sender.”
The messages also asked the officials to “assist in matters described as involving subpoenas, writs of execution, default judgments and/or property garnishment.”
The DILG stressed that the unauthorized use, misrepresentation, or fraudulent acts involving the department or the NBOO will be subjected to the proper administrative, civil, and criminal cases under existing laws.
The department urged officials and the public to immediately report any similar future incidents for proper documentation and action. /gsg
